Oh the lengths some retailers will go to when they want us to buy. They try to create urgency when all they do is convey desperation. They offer us a discount - for a limited time. Then they extend it. Then it expires, but they're willing to honor it anyway. Then they create a new, supposedly even better offer.
In one of my Home Sales Insights posts, "Why Should I Believe This Is My Last Chance?" I recounted such a recent history with a company.
Rather than truly creating a limited time opportunity, they totally destroy all credibility.
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Steve...back in the late 80's I owned a small business. Many retailers were doing this same thing. I would get people coming n and wanting the sale price 2 weeks after, or asking if the sale would be extended.
I never did either. Word got out that the sale was then and only then. It was not a DESPERATION SALE! Retailers are doing themselves more harm than good right now!
I experienced something similar - I bought a membership at a 'sale price' and the very next day I received an email asking me to join at this marvy new reduced price. I complained and was reimbursed my membership costs and they, get this, asked me not to tell anyone!! Right.
I've had the same thing happen to me-they must think we are naive.
Vern,
I agree, I grew up with the sale being only at a limited time. Now. so many companies are having weekly sales that you're foolish to pay full price unless it's an emergency purchase. :)
Steve
Susan,
I am surprised - and happy for you - that they honored the price chnage. I've had to return or cancel an item and rebuy it at the lower price. :)
Steve
Pat,
I think so. I guess if it works enough, they are ahead of the game even though they've created more ill-will in the process. :)
Steve
Hi Steve
What you talking about, is a lot like Macy's annual weekly sales. If you shop in Macy's with the coupons normally Thursday thought Sunday you get an addition 20% to 40 % off. So what is the retail price at Macy's the sales price? Or the retail price during the 3-4 days when it's not on sale. So when do I shop at Macy's? The week ends?
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Lou,
That's right. The same with Sears and other companies. :)
Steve
Steve, I don't buy the hype. I believe in the buyer beware adage...
Paul,
It seems like in our email age, it's a case of who can "out-cute" someone else. :)
Steve
Yeah, I had a guy call trying to sell me logo pens. He had 30k worth of pens and had to move them. He was willing to give me X for $Y. He then offered me great deal at $Y-1. Here is the catch - I had to buy now. Even though we were in market (because of new office) for new pens and trash trinkets, I still said no. I don't like the blustery sales pitches. Send me a good sample with a low key pitch and I'll fall for it every time. Scream "bargain" (or rather desparation) and you can count on no sale.
Ryan,
I agree. It's that desparation and insincerity that I don't buy - and that hurts all salespeople as a profession. :)
Steve